Pete ScherzerAiea, Hawaii

Pete ScherzerAiea, Hawaii

Artist’s Bio

Pete Scherzer grew up in Ohio and Montana. He studied ceramics at the Cleveland Institute of Art and Alfred University. He has worked at Peters Valley Craft Center, Princeton University, The Archie Bray Foundation, and Northern Clay Center. He Currently lives in Aiea, Hawaii.

Artist’s Statement

When I began working in ceramics, I focused entirely on pots that could be used on a daily basis. Over time, the bowls, mugs, pitchers, and other objects I made for casual use became more complex and exaggerated. Originally I tried to keep this aspect secondary so it would not interfere with the austerity I considered crucial to a good pot. However, pottery is not limited merely to addressing functional concerns: comfort and accessibility are crucial but cannot solely define an idea or guarantee successful results.

My pots are meant to embellish their setting and bring attention to the function they perform. They exist as intriguing, theatrical compositions that produce unexpected visual displays in a familiar object. The pots put on a show and ask for attention. Their use creates a peculiar presentation rather than simply dealing with service. Energy and complexity in the composition produce bits of humor or luxurious indulgence. Historical associations, form, surface and function all combine and interact. The effects of these elements on a pot provide guidance to my inquiries and explorations in the studio. I manipulate such elements to produce captivating results that function through the act of presenting food and drink. While I still operate within the guidelines of plausible domestic objects, the role of presentation encourages a shift towards elaborate and eccentric results.